Air New Zealand 777 PREMIUM ECONOMY: Excellent! Fantastic! But we need to talk...

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Air New Zealand is a fantastic airline, plain and simple. In need of a trip across the Tasman, I flew them in Premium Economy on the 777, and had a wonderful time. It's just...well...I'm worried where they are headed. And we should talk about that. So here's my flight review from Auckland to Sydney.
0:00 Introduction
1:25 My concerns about Air NZ
4:33 My concerns about the A320/A321 Neo
6:19 Flight review starts
6:30 Strata lounge in Auckland
7:20 Boarding
7:39 Seat
8:37 Safety Video
9:16 Takeoff
9:44 Meal and service
10:43 Entertainment and WiFi
12:22 Landing
12:55 Conclusion
#airnewzealand #airnz

Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 62

@Travelog 3 года назад

Well this is a bit unfortunate. Sadly due to the current bug, all 777s are grounded and all flight attendants laid off. Hopefully we'll be able to fly the 777 on Air NZ again someday. However, my criticisms of Air NZ's business practices stand. Removing IFE for not paying more? Not on a real airline in my book. What do you think about air NZ? Is paying for IFE a legitimate airline charge?

@chrismckellar9350 3 года назад

The B777-200ers have been written off and are going into long term storage and may not return as they are going to be replaced by the B787-10s. Some of the B777-300ers are being used as freighters and occasional freight/passenger on long haul international services and the remainder are in storage at Auckland and Christchurch airports. Air NZ is using the A320neos and some A320ceos for domestic jet services and the A321neos are being used for Trans Tasman and Pacific Island freight and passenger services. Some of the B787s are being used for freight only and the odd freight/passenger medium on long haul international services and on the domestic jet services between Auckland and Christchurch to keep flight/cabin crew hours up. Those B787's not being used are in storage at Auckland and Christchurch airports. I did see a B787 at Auckland airport with no engines waiting for engine replacements from RR in Singapore. The ATR72-600s and some for the Q300's are being used on all domestic regional services. Air NZ did get rid of 3600 staff and were planning for anther 400 to go but domestic air travel has grown and at this stage stopped the 400 further redundancies. Air NZ did get at NZ$900 million line of credit from its major shareholder - the NZ government with options for further increases. To date, the airline hasn't used its line credit and is using its cash reverses.

@ChasetheG 2 года назад

Sadly the Kiwi 777s are gone for good now

@Travelog 2 года назад

I just saw the news, that really is a shame. Perhaps NZ will actually be open in 2024 when the new 787-10s with new seats are delivered…

@mjr6495 Год назад

Hahah this didn’t age well. What with their new business class seats and innovative sleep pods to go with the sky couch (I do agree with their old business configuration haha) A slight correction needs to be made .. Air NZ didn’t “lay their staff off”… though they were grounded like most of the planet… maybe you’re confused with Qantas… where they did lay the majority of their staff off….

@Travelog Год назад

It was my understanding when I made this post that since Air NZ flight crews are type specific (ie a 777 cabin crew wasn’t allowed in the 787) that they were put on indefinite furlough when the 777s were removed. I know they were hoping to cross train a few, but many did not get their jobs back. Call that what you will. I am excited for Air NZ’s new seats. They will be…in line with seats like Polaris from 2016. But how long will it be until they are actually installed? Across the fleet? I’m thinking 2026. I’m actually off to NZ again in April, and will be flying Hawaiian instead…as much for variety as other reasons.

@QJGODHTPANFBYHEVDH18 3 года назад

great video as always

@natzzzy9119 2 года назад

The extra space on the middle seats was by design to improve confort for middle seat passengers. Seats in the forward rows with extra seats are called Space+ which usually are reserved for Koru/Gold/Elite Customers on domestic routes

@Travelog 2 года назад

Indeed, but I for one will do my best to not be in that middle seat! On the space+, sure that exists on other airline as well, it's just that that legroom is what would be on a "normal" airline's main cabin, and even there the legroom is all over the pace depending on the row and side of the plane. It's the inconsistency that's laughable.

@Kiwibikerbuddy 3 года назад

Some background to the mix of economy fares. It came about after Air NZ market research with customers which revealed customers wanted to pay only for what they need. The sectors these "seat to suit" fares are available are a few hours in duration & there are many people who just travel "across the ditch" for example, for a couple of days away with only a cabin bag & quite rightly feel they shouldn't pay the cost of fuel burn for a suitcase they do not check in. A large part of the tourism market in NZ is freedom travelers who journey on a budget. So, for them a basic seat fare is ideal if they prefer not to have meals, drink & IFE & just need a bus ride in or out of the country. Providing people with a choice is good strategy to put bums in seats, however, I agree the overall economy product has weakened over the years. Apart from the modern amenity of IFE, Premium Economy is what Air NZ standard economy use to be & set it apart from other airlines. This is so well illustrated by a collection of advertisements & photos I have showing the changing, shrinking, economy inflight meals from 1980s to the present.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Thanks for the background! I agree that with short flights a lot of people will just always go for the cheaper fare (I exclusively fly economy within the US when traveling for leisure for example). Having only a single fare class within NZ makes perfect sense, as from tip to point is like 1.5 hours tops. A similar case can be made for something like Air Dolomiti crossing the Alps. It's just the segmentation onboard the aircraft that has me worried. Have a LCC, have a full service, but as soon as you combine both onboard that's a very slippery slope in my opinion. Just imagine if an airline with even less scruples got their hands on this idea. United, BA...(shudders). It would be very bad.

@iandunbar-reid6018 3 года назад

I too found NZ a fantastic airline in PY. Their level of service, catering and personalised attention to the passenger's needs, were second to none. Once the COVID situation disappears, I look forward to flying with NZ again ... on a 777-300 if possible. I have also flown NZ in Economy AND first class on a 747 in the old days. Now, that was a treat too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Glad you liked it, and I have similar thoughts! I've only been to NZ twice, but would love to make it a yearly thing once COVID is over. There is (was?) a direct Chicago-Auckland flight on a 787 that would be my preference, but business class award availability on Air NZ is terrible (another story) and that flight in particular impossible. I have Chicago-LA-Fiji-NZ-Brisbane-Chicago all ready to book as soon as the world is ready...

@nathankerr9824 2 года назад

Agreed about the different classes via services

@hellototheworld Год назад

Thanks for the review I want to take this syd to la looks worth it

@spacegoop80 2 года назад

flew air new zealand 787 auckland to rarotonga. did skycouch as well. best flight of my life. i had 3 extra seats so put the skycouches up and could just lie flat. that is good for economy 8.5 out of 10

@Travelog 2 года назад

It’s a really cool concept, and now several airlines are now adopting a version of it. I’m all for positive options for passengers. Good to hear that you liked it!

@philgray1023 Год назад

Yes, my economy seat on BA back in 1978 was the same as premium economy in 2017. Except that lcd screens weren't invented then.

@aceadventures5527 2 года назад

So true, your video is bang on. Air New Zealand has become a budget airline across the Tasman. To be honest, don’t waste your words. They won’t change. Correction, this budget status is also done on the island flights.

@rp7784 Год назад

By budget what do you mean, from what I've seen it looks to be a pretty premium airline and with recent planned cabin overhauls it looks set to only become better.

@natzzzy9119 2 года назад

Wifi is free on a320 neos as of now and aparently no change in site (good selling point) and probably helps offset their seat price structure?

@Travelog 2 года назад

Thats good to know, I didn't have the chance to fly them was just reading about them.

@lilliputlittle Год назад

That makes sense. Nowadays even budget travelers know to have a few movies/shows on deck on their tablets to watch midflight when entertainment isn't available. US domestic flights haven't offered meals in ages so I'm very used to not having anything more than a little bag of pretzels or some cookies.

@steventravels4035 3 года назад

Just wait, they will make the new seat configuration on all routes soon. As for premium economy, that would be my go to but, at this rate, I have a feeling they are going to change that too.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Oh for sure. Hence my nearly begging them at the end of the video. They have something good now, but I'm sure they'll mess it up,

@_w_w_ 3 года назад

Great video... I am with you on crappy United, but yeah Air New Zealand's seat-depended fare structure on the A320 is concerning.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Thanks! Being an american not flying in that part of the world much it doesn't impact me on a daily basis. But I can easily see some other less scrupulous airlines (American, United, BA, Lufthansa, etc.) trying to pull something similar. When will it end? I'd rather draw the line here while we still have a chance.

@waveydaveyyyyy8968 3 года назад

I was on an air nz a321 and the entertainment and wifi was 100 percent free. Best part was it was a domestic flight so got basically full flight service for a cheap domestic flight. Air new Zealand is great!

@Travelog 3 года назад

Indeed, I really do like them, especially domestically! My point was that the nickle-and diming can and does go to far, and I can imagine (more insidious) airlines going even further.

@waveydaveyyyyy8968 3 года назад

@@Travelog I also found that if you add the bag and food stuff on your deal, it comes out the same price as Qantas in most places :) Great review though, keep up the great work!

@tropikiwi 3 года назад

Air NZ used to have a low cost carrier called Freedom Air. They started it to compete with an airline called Kiwi. Air NZ also used to have ads with naked employees. Something about nothing to hide because they didn't have hidden fees. They don't have those ads anymore. Anyway I'm on the outs with them now because they did me a dirty refusing to refund a flight that they cancelled due to the current event. I'm sure there's also a lot of other people out there who when given an choice between the the airline that tried to screw them over and literally any other airline on the planet will go with the latter.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Interesting, I had no idea! And yeah completely understand the whole refund issue, lots of airlines are playing hardball and pissing off customers...for what exactly? We have memories and will remember how we were treated during these times. I was hoping that somehow air NZ was better than Qantas/Jetstar/Virgin, but as you say they are joining the race to the bottom. Kiwis deserve better.

@kingjamo6660 3 года назад

How can I forget the Freedom Air going against Kiwi International Airlines..... Freedom served noodles and Kiwi served Nut and Cola. But hey those fares were very cheap

@michaelstemniskiaviation2665 3 года назад

Wow, I wish Domestic First Class was this good!

@Travelog 3 года назад

Yeah no kidding! That's likely the best comparison to make.

@chrismckellar9350 3 года назад

Here are the real facts about Air NZ seating and fare structure. In 2008 Air NZ under the pressure of Qantas Group's LCC Jetstar brand, abolished their Business Class product and revamped Economy fares to a hybrid (LCC/FSC) pricing model on short haul international single aisle aircraft and Economy on twin aisle aisle, using 'seats to suit fares' concept. The 'Seat' only fare is the lead in fare which the airline can promote through their 'Grab a Seat' and the main reservation websites. The 'seat' only fare covers 7kg carry on (for day to 3-4 day stays), free tea, coffee and/or water, access to music and TV shows, etc (not movies) on the IFE. The 'Seat & Bag' is the 'Seat' only fare with one checked bag for those staying 4 day plus. If a person books a "Seat' only fare can add bag/s, movies, a meal and pay for seat selection up to 24 hours prior to travel date if they have the spare cash. If you want comfort and have the cash, there is 'Works Deluxe', Premium Economy and Coffin (Business Premier) Class fares. With regards to seat pitch on the A320ceos, A320neos and A321neo and lessor extent on the B787s, those who have purchase 'Seat' and 'Seat & Bag' fares and not a Star Alliance Silver, Gold or a Koru Club member, or paid for eat selection, are shunted to the rear of the of the economy cabin on the single aisle aircraft or the second economy compartment on the B777s and B787s. Those passengers who are Star Alliance Silver, Gold or a Koru Club member or who are a traveling on a co-share economy ticket are seated in front of Economy class on the single aisle and in the first compartment in economy cabin on the B777s and B787s where economy seat pitch is better. Despite the moans of some locals, Air NZ LCC/FSC hybrid 'Seats to suit Fares' business model has worked will for the airline. It seems the Virgin Australia Ver 2 will be adapting the LCC/FSC hybrid 'Seats to suit Fares' business model under their new owners. The seats on the A320neos and A321neos are using the latest thin economy seat design, with the two outer seats are 1 cm wider and the middle seat is 2cms wider. The arm rests are thinner giving a wider feel are very comfortable. Air NZ's A320neos and A321neos use Airbus Cabin Flex (cram them in) design. Yes, the chandler, library and butterfly deigns are in the A320neo and A321neo toilets.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Thanks for the details, I tried to keep things high level as that wasn't the main point of the video. I get that air NZ needs to compete with Jetstar, and that likely Virgin will copy them. But how does that benefit customers exactly? Fares don't end up lower. I'm currently scripting an in depth video on the dangerous slide of airline monetization. Remember when a ticket actually included a seat and a checked bag by default? Shocking I know. I'm getting serious deja vue here regarding basic economy. First the excuse was "we have to compete with LCCs only on these few routes!" Then they rolled them out nationally. Then within the Americas. Then trans-Atlantic. Now it's the standard everywhere. Each time, coach prices didn't actually decrease before and after basic economy. I can easily, easily see Air NZ extending this on flights to Fiji. Or to America and Asia (after all Air Asia and Air Asia X exist!). Since when did a fully functioning IFE become a premium feature? More selfishly, I care less about Air NZ, as I'm only occasionally down there (though love it). I fear for when United, American, or BA copy this idea and make it even worse. Norwegian makes you pay for IFE and meals, so we should too! Why get free movies when we can charge for them? We're going to have an incredible amount of market power over the next few years. Some airlines will compete on price in these difficult times. But through our purchase and travel decisions, we can reward airlines doing things in a positive, customer-friendly way, while punishing those who are anti-consumer. For once we have a fighting chance to make the industry better for customers with our wallets.. Perhaps I'm just tilting at windmills here and the war is already lost. But I feel like we have to try, and that's one of the reasons I started this channel to begin with.

@chrismckellar9350 3 года назад

@@Travelog - You have raised some valid points.The LCC/FSC hybrid model works well for Air NZ as it gives the customer to fly to a destination that's within their budget and keep operating costs down. This is why Virgin Australia Ver 2 will be using the hybrid business model a it benefits both the traveler and the airline. Air NZ did alot research into the hybrid model, as the airline saw a high wastage in meals not being eaten, moans about why should I pay for checked luggage when I am staying for 1 or 2 days in Australia or 3-4 days in the Pacific Islands with a carry on, etc. When the hybrid was introduce there were moans from those who want full service but want a cheap LCC fare, etc and now both Kiwis and Ozzies are grown use to it. As a premium frequent flyer, I can see the logic of the hybrid model. If want to fly from NZ to OZ for 12-3 days, I am happy to pay for a seat only fare, store belongings in the over head locker and happy to watch a TV shows, documentaries, etc. If a flight is 3-6 hours depending where i traveling to in OZ. If I want to watch and/or have a snack/s during the flight, I can open an ' tab account' via the IFE by swiping a Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Diners Club. On landing and the flight is closed, the total amount spent is charged to the wipe card. Air NZ 'Seats to Suit Fares' model is used on short and medium international flights t from NZ to Australia, Bali (seasonal), Honolulu, Tahiti, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands and New Caledonia. All other routes is standard Economy. Premium Economy and Business Premier. I can not understand why other airlines except for Asian/European based airlines adopt the LCC/FSC hybrid model. It is a win win for travelers and airlines alike especially now during this global health pandemic and related financial recession.

@thatoneyoutubecomment4403 3 года назад

Wait, so air nz premium economy does not give lounge access but it does give strata lounge access?

@Travelog 3 года назад

No, it doesn’t give lounge access at all. However, I have a Priority Pass card that gets access to the Strata Lounge. Sorry if that wasn’t clear!

@Aaronw2 3 года назад

Not sure what the problem is. This is nothing new and is presented for sale on what has to be one of the worlds best and easiest to use airline websites. New Zealand is a nation of less than 5 million people. Competing with australian carriers with a home population of 25 million. It did operate an LCC for around 10 years before rolling it into the seats to suit offering we see here. These changes were very much customer led. Satisfying the value added approach. Personally I often mix my products on short haul on the same ticket. I’ve been known many times to fly Auckland to the pacific islands with Seat plus bag and return in business class. Other trips I’ve done across the Tasman the works one way and premium economy home. Breakfasts are usually pretty average no matter what the class so I prefer to book the premium cabins later in the day, usually the return sector to better experience the food and beverage offering. Make sense? It’s really popular.

@Travelog 3 года назад

I understand your points but will agree to disagree. You're right, they can't directly compete from a cost perspective with Jetstar and economies of scale. So why not compete on quality? Airlines like Bangkok Airways, Alaska, Southwest, and Delta prove that if you provide a sufficiently better product, people will pay for it. I'll also disagree with your assertion of choice and flexibility, that's just industry talking points. How is disabling your IFE giving you a choice? How is squeezing in more seats adding flexibility? Business, economy, and premium economy are enough price points to provide real choice, anything more is pure rent-seeking from airlines to minimize consumer surplus (working on a video on airline monetization). I understand NZ is a very unique situation and really love the airline. I'm just very worried that another less scrupulous airline will get a similar idea, and suddenly every airline in the world is doing something even worse. That's what happened with checked bag fees, seat selection fees, carry-on bags, basic economy...

@cohli514 3 года назад

They are adding new seat prototypes into newer planes in a few years

@Travelog 3 года назад

Indeed and I can't wait! Again I love Air NZ. Just...I have to judge what they have now. I'm not like Skytrak giving Lufthansa 5 stars for a seat that doesn't even exist yet...

@alex321neo 3 года назад

4:48, rightfully so

@Travelog 3 года назад

Yeah I went out my way to not fly the a320 neo on this route, even if that meant waking up on the crack of dawn. With reduced travel demand, the days of these widebodies to Australia may be over.

@_httpantwon Год назад

What seat number is that? @Travelog

@Travelog Год назад

This was 3 years ago…I think 26 or 27k?

@_httpantwon Год назад

@@TravelogI see. I’m worried about the wing blocking my view. Thx for the fast response

@mikesperience 2 года назад

It was fantastic except you added music while take off

@Travelog 2 года назад

Understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but this channel will always be highly edited and scripted, have music and be sped up. That's personally the kind of content I want to see, and I don't want to "waste" my viewers' time. I also see the retention numbers. That's the beauty of RU-vid though, as there's channels offering exactly what you want!

@Brock151986 3 года назад

Being a Kiwi, I 100% agree with this video - especially the start. Air NZ has a long way to go I feel to really compete with other airlines. The frequent fly program is pretty average. I earn more point fueling up my car then i do if i actually fly... and the status point system is flawed.

@Travelog 3 года назад

Thanks, glad I’m not entirely crazy! The more miles from gas/credit cards than flying is sadly the norm here in the US as well...I think they should just call it a frequent spend program rather than flying. I take it personally because I know Air NZ has it within themselves to be truly great. It’s just...kiwis deserve better, in my opinion.